Remington X-Mark Pro vs. X-Mark Pro Adjustable – The Difference

If you are a Remington owner and find yourself confused when it comes to your rifle’s trigger system don’t worry, you’re not alone. Countless owners are asking “what is the X Mark Pro?” or “which X Mark Pro do I have?“. Let’s take a closer look and see if we can’t answer some of your questions regarding this trigger.

For years two of Remington’s most popular platforms, the Model 700 and Model Seven, relied on the Walker Trigger. First introduced in 1948 and named for its inventor, Remington engineer Merle Walker. This was revolutionary as it redesigned the trigger connector and allowed for better trigger control. Gone were the days of gritty, rough triggers that bounced back after the release. The Walker Trigger was smooth, had a clean break and was robust enough to withstand heavy-duty use. The Walker Trigger remained the standard trigger in the Remington Model 700 and Model Seven for decades.

In 2007 Remington introduced the X Mark Pro. This new design relied on modern machining techniques and advanced technology to produce a trigger with much tighter tolerances. Thanks to these advances the X Mark Pro was smoother, often described as “breaking like glass”, and reported to maintain a consistent trigger pull weight shot after shot. Plus, Remington was now able to safely set the factory trigger pull weight to a more manageable under 5LB setting. Although this trigger was adjustable it did require a gunsmith, or advanced experience, to do so as it required accessing internal screws.

In 2009 Remington did not replace the X Mark Pro but they did make additional refinements. Most noticeably was the addition of an external adjustment screw, which can be seen in the base of the trigger itself. This allowed owners to self-adjust the factory set 3.5 LB trigger to between 3 and 5 LBS. Further attention to detail included even tighter tolerances and a Teflon/Electroless nickel plating to both improve the finish and resist corrosion. The X Mark Pro Adjustable provided even cleaner release, nearly eliminated trigger creep and is protected better against the outdoor elements.

Which X Mark Pro Is For You?

Both the X Mark Pro and the X Mark Pro Adjustable are nearly identical and both can be installed in almost any Remington Model 700 or Model Seven. Other than the exterior adjustment screw they are the same unit. This adjustment screw, like those found on the Jewell Trigger, allows for minor adjustments in trigger pull weight without the need to disassemble. But this simple change is a big deal so it seems like a no brainer that the X Mark Pro Adjustable would be the obvious choice.

Of course, very little in life is that easy and despite its early popularity the X Mark Pro Adjustable has suffered from a change of heart on the part of many owners (sounds like Deja vu for Remington). Many owners have complained of triggers breaking at the screw installation hole. While it should come at no surprise that this would be a potential weak point one would expect the designers to have expected, and corrected, this was an obvious problem. Others have complained that the screw itself projects from the trigger, resulting in an uncomfortable feeling when shooting. Again, an obvious potential problem that one would not have expected. Finally, there are reports that the trigger pull weight changes over time. As with the previous issues this is to be expected, this is not the first trigger system to experience this type of problem. Fortunately, because it is adjusted externally the required readjustment does not require repeated trips to the gunsmith. It is more a matter of principle than actual function.

Unfortunately, these are not the only problems nor are they the most concerning problem. A growing number of owners have stated they were unable to make necessary adjustments via the external screw. The trigger pull weight either failed to adjust at all or did so outside the advertised 2 LB range, with most stating it was nearly impossible to reach the lower threshold of 3 LBS. At first, this was written off as inexperienced owners attempting what should be an easy adjustment without paying attention to details. Experts claimed these DIYers were either failing to follow the instructions or simply did not know how to properly measure the trigger pull weight. That does not appear to be the case, at least not in all the cases.

Experienced gunsmiths started to report similar issues regarding the ability to make the necessary adjustments. Upon further investigation, some of these experts realized that many times the issue is the second internal trigger screw, or more precisely the spring this screw sits upon. Each trigger contains three adjustment screws: the external trigger screw, an internal trigger screw, and an internal sear engagement screw. All three of these screws push or release a spring that sits under the screw. Tighten screw and spring compresses, loosen screw and spring releases. When everything functions as designed the external adjustment is enough to provide changes of up to 2 LBS trigger pull weight. However, if the internal trigger spring is not the correct weight, either through wear or variations in manufacturing tolerances, this range is limited to less than 2 LBS. In these cases, achieving the full range of adjustment requires removing the trigger, removing the interior trigger screw and replacing the underlying spring and/or adjusting the other screws.

Which X Mark Pro Trigger is Best? (Regular or Adjustable)

So, we are still left with the question “Which X Mark Pro Trigger is best?” While it is true that the X Mark Pro Adjustable offers many options and improvements not previously available in the X Mark Pro the drawbacks are there. In the end, it’s personal preference dependent on your experience with the trigger(s) and if it accomplished what is needed. Some with the Model 700 choose to go with an aftermarket trigger option, which of course we sell among others. You ultimately need to choose which is the best option for you.